How is it we have been such poor gleaners? Is it not that gleaning demands conditions with which we are not always prepared to comply? This becomes manifest as we note the qualities that made Ruth such an excellent gleaner.

Ruth was marked by a spirit of humility and subjection. She says to Naomi, “Please let me go,” and again she says to the servant, “Please let me glean.” She did not act independently of others who were older and more experienced than herself. She did not despise guidance and counsel. She did not suffer from an unbroken will, leading her to do that which was right in her own eyes. Peter can say, “all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility” (1 Pet. 5:5). Subjection and humility are linked together by the Spirit of God. The proud man does not like to submit to anyone. An unbroken will is the greatest hindrance to growth in grace.

Ruth was marked by diligence. As we read in verse 7, “she came and has continued from morning until now, though she rested a little in the house.” Again in verse 17 we read, “she gleaned in the field until evening.” Is there not a great lack of diligence with believers in the things of God? We are diligent enough in the things of this world, but alas, the things of the Lord too often have only the odd moments of our lives. Are we diligent in the study of the Word? Are we diligent in prayer? We may plead that the hurry and difficulties of life leave but little time, but the question is still, how do we spend the little time that we have? If we desire to enter into the enjoyment of our inheritance, we must be diligent. Small wonder if we make but little soul progress when we can find time to read the daily news, and light literature of this world, and yet find no time to glean in the rich pastures of God’s holy Word.